Curriculum Enrichment
Quest School
The Quest is an expansive and ambitious attempt to reclaim childhood, and has been created by childhood advocate and author, Greg Bottrill. The school works with Greg joining him on the adventure into "the Kingdom of Play in search of childhood, to find it and return holding its hand." At Laneshaw Bridge we follow Greg's ethos that "play must not become a lost word," and "the Kingdom of Play must be maintained throughout childhood." We have 'Inventuring Days' and 'Dreaming Tree Days' where children of all age groups collaborate developing their adventure into play, language development, imagination, mark making and story.
Music Tuition
We recognise the importance of providing the opportunity for our pupils to learn a musical instrument. Children throughout the school have the opportunity to learn an instrument & develop their ability to read music by our specialist peripatetic music teachers. Front Row Music.
Clubs/Extra Curricular
We also offer a wide range of clubs to further engage our children beyond the school day. Children can opt to participate in activities such as Coding Club for children who enjoy computing, community collaboration where children help look after the village which includes supporting Remembrance Events, Chit Chatters who have conversations and share books with younger children, Ballet, Street Dance, Timetable Rock Stars, Cross Country Club, Netball, Choir, Nurture Club, Forest School, Pottery Classes, crochet club, pupil led book clubs and adult led book clubs, Science Clubs, Archery, Yoga, Gardening Club and First Aid Club, which can lead to becoming a First Ambassador, Reading Cafes and Trust sporting events and clubs introducing and refining the skills of all our children.
As well as being fun these clubs challenge gender stereotypes and allow children to make new friends. When a club is oversubscribed, Pupil Premium children will be offered places first and the remaining places filled by pulling names out of a hat. We are always thinking of new clubs to add to our repertoire.
Intergenerational collaboration
Working together across the generations Children from reception class are visiting Nelson Manor every week to engage with the residents of the retirement home. Each week the children sing, play games and complete arts and crafts alongside the residents. A great bond has been established across the generations. The residents also visit school to share Christmas lunch and join in the carol singing around the tree.
We also have weekly visits from the older generation who share conversation in class with the younger children during their play. This is one strategy we use as a school to develop speech. Language and communication.
Growing Gardeners
We are very fortunate to have a poly tunnel on site to grow tomatoes and other fruit and vegetables.Our ‘Growing Gardenners’ work with parent volunteers and our Eco rangers to develop their understanding of planting and growing.
For Staff
We have a 'Edu Book Club' for staff within school and across the Trust. Staff read educational books and listen to podcasts which support their own personal development. This is also an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas on learning and education looking at new perspectives and participating in some healthy debate. Some of the books we have read include, 'Retrieval Practice' by Kate Jones, 'Running the Room' by Tom Bennett, 'Make it Stick' by Peter C Brown and 'Walkthrus' by Tom Sherrington. Podcasts have included Tom Sherringtons, 'Mind the Gap'.
Wider Curriculum - Trips
Cultural capital is the essential knowledge that children need to prepare them for their future success. At Laneshaw Bridge we provide a wide programme of educational visits over the year for each class. This includes visits to galleries, museums and theatres, as well residential trips. Residential include outdoor centres and a year 6 trip to Paris and London. Our educational visits link closely to learning in the classroom and add another dimension by bringing the topic to life and adding hands-on and experiential opportunities.
Library Visit
Research proves that regular access to books makes you a better reader. Therefore we have visits to the library in town and a mobile library visit ensuring children experience and understand the benefits of being part of a library and the wealth of resources it has to offer.